Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, include a range of conditions affecting muscles, bones, and joints, represent a significant concern for businesses in the UK and globally. These disorders not only impact the health and wellbeing of employees but also have profound implications for workplace productivity and economic performance.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues are common workplace injuries, and their causes can vary depending on the nature of the work. Some of the most common causes of MSK issues in the workplace are:
- Manual Handling – Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy loads can strain muscles, ligaments, and joints, leading to MSK issues.
- Repetitive Movements – Repetitive tasks, especially those involving awkward postures or forceful exertions, can lead to cumulative trauma disorders affecting muscles and tendons.
- Poor Ergonomics – Inadequate workstation design, such as poorly adjusted chairs, desks, and computer setups, can cause poor posture and strain, leading to MSK issues.
- Prolonged Sitting or Standing – Extended periods of sitting or standing without adequate breaks or movement can lead to back pain, neck pain, and other MSK problems due to sustained static postures.
- Vibration Exposure – Regular use of vibrating tools or machinery, such as jackhammers or chainsaws, can cause conditions like hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which affects muscles, joints, and nerves.
As businesses strive to create supportive and efficient work environments, understanding the prevalence and cost associated with MSK disorders becomes crucial. Delving into recent statistics highlights the extensive reach and financial burden of these conditions, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures and effective management strategies.
Currently:
- HSE statistics show 473,000 workers suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (new or longstanding) in 2022/23
- 132,000 Workers suffering from a new case of a work-related musculoskeletal disorder in 2022/23
- 6 million Working days lost due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2022/23
At Green Cross Global we understand that lowering the incidence of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries requires a multifaceted approach including individuals, employers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organisations.
We can support your business in lowering MSK injuries through education and awareness to empower individuals to prevent injuries during daily activities, exercise, and work. We can implement ergonomic assessments and modifications in the workplace to reduce the risk of MSK injuries among employees. We’re able to establish and help you enforce safety regulations and policies aimed at preventing MSK injuries.
By adopting a comprehensive approach that addresses individual behaviours, workplace practices, environmental factors, and policy initiatives, it is possible to lower the incidence of MSK injuries and promote musculoskeletal health across the workplace.
Given the major impact MSK can have in the workplace, we are incredibly excited to announce a brand-new partnership with Flex Health – a brilliant company focussed on occupational health, wellness, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. Flex Health can support early intervention and rehabilitation of those employees who are suffering from MSK injuries.
An introduction to Flex Health:
At Flex Health, we pride ourselves on the success of our client relationships, supported by our proactive, open, and forward-thinking approach. We have been supporting small and large businesses to create bespoke Occupational Health and Wellbeing programmes. After speaking with a number of individuals in the industry, it really seems the efficiency of health surveillance clinics and the quality of reports are two major factors in helping businesses get employees back to work in a timely and secure manner. Flex Health delivers a wide variety of Occupational Health services to support several different industries, including Health surveillance, MSK and management referrals. We also offer a range of Wellbeing services for businesses to support their employee mental and physical health including the collection of real time health data and access to our health and lifestyle app programmes.
The Flex Health App:
An interactive, user-friendly app with a focus on MSK health, empowering your workforce/the individual to take action to improve their physical health and promote long-term behaviour change.
Features include a range of offerings:
- Quarterly Webinars: In-depth sessions on various health and wellbeing
- Exercise Programmes: Customisable 6, 8–12 week programmes, beginner-
- friendly and adaptable for home use.
- Podcasts: Covering common MSK complaints, offering practical tips and
- insights for improved MSK health.
- Short Video Clips: Providing on the go, top tips for proactive and reactive
- Rehab journal: Supporting rehabilitation with guided journaling.
- Integration with Health Apps: track steps, weight, and other vital metrics.
- Blogs and Articles: Offering valuable information on nutrition and sleep.
- Access to a dedicated experienced physiotherapist through the app.
